by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman

The Bucks County Herald reports that a bill has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by state representative Paul Clymer that will surely save lives--all because of a persuasive essay by a 6th grader more than two years ago.

The student, Bradley Vassallo, was concerned about drunk drivers, and although there are penalties for a second offense, he felt that the state should act on the conviction of first time persons driving under the influence of alcohol.

Currently Pennsylvania law mandates the installation of an ignition interlock device after a second conviction for drunk drivers.  It requires a driver to blow into a mouthpiece for five seconds. If alcohol is detected, the engine will not start. About 4300 such devices are in use in Pennsylvania; statistics show that license suspensions and revocations don't work.

Testimony from a victim of drunk driving not only supported the bill, but believes that drunk drivers should have to earn their way off the interlock device and not be automatically removed after one year as is now the case.

Will the law change? Stay tuned…